People are devastated over the closure of one of London's most-loved nightclubs, Fabric
LONDON -- After hours of discussion, police got what they asked for: the closure of one of the world's most well-known nightclubs.
The local council said Fabric had failed to control the use of drugs on its premises. The decision to revoke Fabric's licence came just after 1 a.m. Wednesday -- a time of the night when people usually start queuing to get into the club.
DJs and supporters who had filled the public viewing galleries at the hearing were quietly shocked, with some bursting into tears.
You May Also Like
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
On Twitter, the hashtag #FabricReview trended, as supporters around the world anxiously refreshed it, waiting for the decision.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Islington Council's decision comes after an extensive review of Fabric following the drug-related deaths of two teenagers this summer. The club had closed to cooperate with the police investigation.
The council's decision is final, but Alan Miller, Chair of the Night Time Industries Association, has said the NTIA would start a fund to fight the decision.
Supporters of the club expressed their sadness and rage on Twitter. Many of them said that closing the venue wouldn't stop people from doing drugs.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Others made the point that the closure comes just as the Night Tube -- the 24-hour London Underground service on Fridays and Saturdays -- has started.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Others made reference to gentrification.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
In explaining the decision, Islington Councillor Flora Williamson said: “Deaths at the club [there have been six in total] have involved young people, mainly in the 18-to-24 age group. Drug culture exists at the club and the management has been inadequate at controlling it.
“Sale and distribution of class-A drugs is particularly serious and problems have not been addressed. Revocation of the licence is appropriate and proportional in light of this.”
Almost 150,000 people had signed a petition to keep the club open. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and local MP Emily Thornberry had both stated their support for the club.
Fabric has not said yet whether it will appeal the decision.
Liza Hearon was the Deputy Editor for Mashable UK. Liza started her career in journalism writing about punk bands for a 'zine in Florida, and her wanderlust has led her to work for news organisations in Russia, Japan and now London. Prior to joining Mashable, she was the European homepage editor for the Wall Street Journal. Liza loves podcasts, karaoke and really, really spicy food.
